"We developed a feature story for Stanford Business on politics, “Pulling Back from Polarization,” for the fall issue, scheduled to publish just weeks before the midterm elections. In it, faculty and alumni discuss practical ways to minimize partisan animosity, find common ground, and restore trust in civic institutions.
We believed our alumni would be interested in this topic, yet we had to address it carefully. Politics is a minefield, and our illustration task was not easy. Because our professors and alumni come from a broad range of political affiliations and because our goal with the story was to bridge the political divide, our illustrations had to do some heavy lifting.
From color choices to the concept, we aimed for positivity and neutrality without being bland. For the opening spread, our artist represented the concept of rebuilding and a collaboration between the two sides (represented by the red and blue construction helmets).
A series of clever and relevant spot illustrations throughout the story helped add levity to a tough topic: 3D glasses, a megaphone, a hamster wheel, and more. Here again, the illustrations had to communicate without taking a side. We used the symbolism of the objects and the balanced use of red and blue to show division, connection, and the forces at work contributing to partisan divides."
From the Judges
Great quality and creativity of this set of illustrations, which tackled a sensitive topic with a great sense of nuance and neutrality. The eye-catching visuals were not only beautiful but also effective in conveying the messages of the accompanying text. The illustrations were both striking and lovely, showcasing the artist's exceptional skills in creating intricate and impactful visuals.
